Catbells became a torchlit spectacle over the weekend as over 2,500 walkers took part in the annual Lakeland Festival of Light. 

The event near Keswick, which can be seen for miles, is organised by Matt Le Voi of Lakeland Mountain Guides, known for his guided tours for tourists in the Lake District and trips to Nepal.

The reorganised walk was expected to happen in April, but due to high winds, it was postponed to Saturday, August 17.

Initiated in 2015, the festival has raised over £77,500 for charity.

Catbells lit up as pictured by News & Star camera club member Catbells lit up as pictured by News & Star camera club member (Image: Adrian Strand)

While participation is cost-free, a charitable donation is encouraged for attendees. 

Nearly £8,000 is expected to be added to the collected funds from this year's festival.

This year, funds raised were for the Michelle Jurd Trust, a Cumbrian charity promoting outdoor activities for youth and supporting local veteran charities.

The charity was founded by Neil Jurd OBE, following the death of his wife Michelle Jurd.

Describing her as an outdoors enthusiast, she unfortunately met her demise in a car accident back in 2009.

Speaking prior to the event, Neil said: "We’re so pleased The Lakeland Festival of Light has picked the Michelle Jurd Trust as its chosen charity for this year. Last year’s event raised more than £10,000 and the charity was able to take a group of disadvantaged young people from Barrow to Southampton to spend a week sailing on tall ships.

"This kind of activity is a great way of building up young people’s confidence, leadership skills and helps them learn to work as a team. They had the trip of a lifetime," he said. 

Brian Gregory, chair of MJT welcomes walkers to the Lakeland Festival of LightBrian Gregory, chair of MJT welcomes walkers to the Lakeland Festival of Light (Image: Des Eccles)

Brian Gregory, chair of the Michelle Jurd Trust and a former Scots Guards soldier, greeted walkers at the start line, talking about the Trust's work.

He emphasised the significant impact the charity has on the young and veterans it supports.

Brian also revealed that in October, the trust plans to host its third annual Veterans’ afternoon tea.

"The donations collected at this year’s Festival of Light will help us do even more to help both young people and veterans in the Cumbria area," Mr Jurd said. 

Set for the afternoon of October 9, the proceedings will take place at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.